National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month! In the United States, injuries account for over 150,000 deaths and over 3 million non-fatal injuries each year. Throughout this month, take the time to review safety tips and research how to change and avoid behaviors that may lead to harm. Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages, and as such, maintaining good safety practices is extremely important.

A couple of good safety tips are to always keep a first aid kit on hand and a list of emergency numbers nearby. You never know when disaster will strike and it’s best to be prepared. We encourage you to make and practice emergency drills with your family so that everyone is on the same page if something were to occur. Visit these sites for health and safety training education and information about preparedness.

World Blood Day

June 14 is recognized as World Blood Donor Day. Supplying over 40% of the nation’s blood supply, the American Red Cross is always in crucial need of more donations. Donating blood is a simple yet essential process for surgeries, cancer treatment and injuries, and a large majority of youth and young adults are eligible to donate. Do your part and make a blood donation appointment today at a center near you!

Pet Preparedness Month

June is Pet Preparedness month. By visiting the following link, learn how to create pet emergency plan, a pet emergency kit, as well as info on Pet First Aid. With the upcoming summer season, practice proper safety measures to protect your pet from the sun. By preparing for all possible scenarios, we can do our best to protect our furry friends!

Pride Month

June is Pride Month. Learn more about inclusion and allyship through the FY26 AIA: Support Beyond the Parade: Everyday LGBTQ+ Allyship interactive lesson. Discover how to build practical tools to build belonging through everyday actions, especially in challenging moments.

• Explore the Red Cross’ Pride Resource Group in order to join a supportive environment to exchange information and ideas, fostering a better understanding of the unique issues facing LGBTQ+ people and allies, and offering opportunities to learn about, understand and engage the LGBTQ+ community.
• Watch the Cultural Competency video on Perspectives of Chance: a Decade After the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT). Hear and observe how the repeal of DADT conversely provided a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military freely and with more authenticity than ever available before in history.

Volunteering Over the Summer

As the school year comes to a close, it often becomes especially difficult for many to continue volunteering. Nonetheless, the American Red Cross is in need of volunteers all year long, and your help is continually in demand and appreciated. Below are some ways you can continue volunteering during the summer. 

• Teach Water Safety to Youth and make your community safer in and around water! During this event, you can help prepare youth and adults in your community to be safer in, on, and around the water by teaching our water safety presentations. This lifesaving information is designed to be delivered in 30-minute sessions in any setting.
• Though many Red Cross Clubs pause their activities during the summer, you can continue by volunteering or interning at your local Red Cross chapter. Connect with the communities closest to you and provide help firsthand.
• Plan for the upcoming school year by starting, reorganizing or improving your school’s Red Cross Club. Have fun by leading your Club’s members and/or officers in bonding events. Completing escape rooms, going on hikes, rowing on waters, or even just getting food together ensures that each member feels comfortable and secure with one another, leading to the overall success of one’s Club. Teamwork makes the dream work!
• For those of you who recently graduated high school, take some time this summer to read the Red Cross transition guide as you continue volunteering in college. Regardless of where you may be, there are still many ways to stay involved with the Red Cross after high school. Congratulations, Class of 2026!
• Visit the American Red Cross Website in order to find local volunteer opportunities around you.
• Whatever activities you choose to participate in this summer, make sure you take proper precautions to stay safe this summer. Read the Red Cross Summer Safety Guide here and visit this link for tips on dealing with extreme heat. Have fun in the sun!
  

Disaster Season

• With wildfire and hurricane season stretching from June to October of each year, now is a great time to prepare and get ready for this upcoming disaster season. 
• Multiple areas of the country are expected to face an above-normal wildfire potential. Wildfires are dangerous and spread quickly, giving you only minutes to evacuate. Protect your household and loved ones by visiting the following link to learn about the most essential preparation tips. 
• Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. These storms are dangerous and can cause damage even to places far inland. By preparing now, do what you can to ensure you and your family’s safety. Prepare by creating an emergency kit, staying aware of nearby evacuation shelters, and crossing off the Red Cross’ Hurricane Preparedness Checklist. A more detailed guide can be found by visiting this link.
• For those who wish to help, the Red Cross is currently in need of volunteers for the very busy upcoming disaster season. In order to meet our demand and provide help when and where it’s needed, the Red Cross needs to continue to increase our volunteer capacity. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit this link.
  

Other Ways to Stay Involved

• Preparing ahead for the coming disaster season, provide aid to the American Red Cross by organizing a charity fundraiser with donor drive. Disaster season lasts from June through November, and through your help, you ensure that the Red Cross is able to continue providing hot meals, snacks, water, shelter and emergency supplies to those in need. Get started today!
• Donate blood this summer and help save lives! In June 2026, American Red Cross donors can receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice when coming to give blood, platelets, or plasma from June 1–28. Additionally, donors during this period are automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards For more info, please visit the following link.